Sulfuric acid

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Sulfuric acid

General
Systematic name	sulfuric acid
Other names	oil of vitriol
Molecular formula	(aq) H₂SO₄
Molar mass	98.08 g/mol98.08 amu
Appearance	clear, colorless, odorless liquid
CAS number	7664-93-9
Properties
Density and phase	1.84 g/cm³1.84 g/ml, liquid
Solubility in water	fully miscible (exothermic)
Melting point	10 °C283.15 K 50 °F 509.67 °R
Boiling point	338 °C611.15 K 640.4 °F 1,100.07 °R
Acidity (pK_a)	<1 pH
Viscosity	26.7 cP at 20°C
Structure
Molecular shape	Tetrahedral
Hazards
MSDS	External MSDS Data
Main hazards	Corrosive
NFPA 704	0 3 2 W
Flash point	Nonflammable
R/S statement	R: R35 S: S1/2, S26, S30, S45
RTECS number	WS5600000
Related compounds
Related compounds	Hydrogen sulfide Sulfurous acid Peroxymonosulfuric acid Sulfur trioxide Oleum
Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa) Disclaimer and references

Sulfuric acid is a highly toxic compound artificially made for chemical uses worldwide. It is used in the process of making fertilizer, among other substances. The acidic properties of the acid make it ideal for removing oxidation and scale from steel and other metals, though it should not be exposed to water.

Properties

Sulfuric acid creates a very dangerous reaction with water. It spits and hisses, and can be hazardous if proper precautions aren't taken. The reaction is exothermic, it releases heat as it reacts. When dissolved in a water solution it becomes even more corrosive, since it is largely changed to hydrogen ions and sulphate ions. [1]

When in a .5 M solution, sulfuric acid has a pH close to zero. It is highly corrosive, even when artificially made the 98.3% acid is lethal. [2]

Sulfuric acid is a very polar compound, the dielectric is around 100. The protons in the acid move around easily, making it an excellent solvent. [3]

Its physical state ranges from a clear liquid to a dark brown, dense liquid with an acrid odor. It is generally a stable compound. [4]

Occurrences

Sulfuric acid is primarily man-made, but there are instances of it also forms in nature. When improperly disposed of it can end up in ground water supplies as a toxic substance.

Acid rain contains sulfuric acid that is formed from volcanic or industrial emissions into the atmosphere. Acidic rain is damaging to the environment as well as building materials and historical monuments. It contributes to acidification of rivers, streams, and forest damage at high elevations, and can reach levels that will kill fish.[5]

Uses

Sulfuric acid is one of the chemicals most produced nation wide. It is used by more chemists than any other acid, and it is used as a major ingredient in making phosphoric acid which is used in fertilizers.

Some other uses of sulfuric acid are the use of treating steel and iron to get rid of rust, oxidation and scale from the sheets of metal used in automobiles.

Sulfuric acid is necessary in manufacturing ammonium sulfate, and important nitrogen fertilizer, which is needed to make the ammonium salts that are sold in mass quantities. [6]